Roof structure



April 1968 s. w. UNDAL 3,378,966

ROOF STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 22, 1965 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 5. WM 75/? [IND/4L @M a W 1 GMT-MK, 44 Z'TOEA/fif April 23, 1963 v s. w. LINDAL 3,378,968

ROOF STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 22, 1965 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 63 11/4175? U/YMZ United States Patent 3,3783% ROOF STRUCTURE Spuli Walter Lindal, Blaine, Wash. (9004 S. 19th St, Tacoma, Wash. 98466) Filed Oct. 22., 1965, Ser- No. 501,672

14 Olaims. (Cl. 52-80) This invention relates to roof structures, and in particular to those which have opposing flanks that slope downwardly away from the peak of the roof in a generally triangulate cross section. Examples of this type of roof are the hip roof, the gable roof, the gambrel roof, and the conical or tepee roof. The invention was developed in connection with the so-called A-frame type of structure, which rests directly on the ground or on a suitable platform at ground level; but as will be apparent, it is equally applicable to other types of ground-supported structures as well as those which rest on some form of superstructure above the ground.

In describing my invention, I shall refer to the horizontal and vertical directions of the roof flanks. It will be understood that when I refer to the horizontal direction of the flanks, I mean in directions running crosswise through the body of each flank on perpendiculars to the span between them. When I refer to the vertical direction of the flanks, I mean in directions running upwardly and downwardly through them at the slope or angle of each. One object of my invention is to provide a greatly simplified means and technique for erecting roof structures of the foregoing type. Other objects include providing a means and technique for this purpose in which the roof can be rapidly erected in essentially one stage, and, if desired, can be erected from standard stock sizes of wood material that are in part preassernbled to reduce the actual construction time on the job. It is also an object of the invention to provide a means and technique of this nature wherein the roof can be given a double walled construction in which the framing, sheathing, insulation and interior finishing are all put up at one time from a single stock length of wood sheathing material. Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the description following in which I shall describe certain preferred modes of practicing the invention, butwith no intention, of course, to limit the invention to these modes. The conventional practice in erecting roof structures of the foregoing type is, first, to erect a frame of rafters laid upright at intervals in the slope of the flanks, and then to apply sheathing strips over the rafters in the horizontal direction, side by side with one another in collateral courses running vertically of the flanks between the rafters. On the whole, this construction is entirely satisfactory and there has been no reason to depart from it. However, it does have the disadvantage that the rafters must be of sufficient length to run the full vertical distance of the flanks, and must also be of sufiicient strength to carry the load on each of the adjoining courses of sheathing material. Typically, then, rafters in wood frame structures are of twoby-four, two-by-six, or greater size, and are perhaps fifteen feet or more in length.

According to my invention, the roof flanks are comprised of interconnected strips of sheathing material laid upright in the slope of the flanks, side by side with one another in a plurality of cover courses running horizontally of the flanks, one above another and in edge opposite relationshipwith one another in the vertical direction of the flanks; and battens of reinforcing material running horizontally of the flanks in overlapping relationship with the adjacent edge portions of the courses and joined with the courses so as to form a splice joint between the edge portions for purposes of integrating the courses into a rigid structure. Because of this form of construction, the

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battens may also be comprised of interconnected strips of the sheathing material laid upright abreast of the courses and side by side with one another in courses running horizontally of the flanks. Moreover, the batten strips need be of substantially no greater length than the strips in the cover courses. For example, I can use conventional ten-foot strips of tongue and groove siding for both the batten and cover courses.

Outwardly, the flanks may still present a continuous surface in both the horizontal and vertical directions. For example, the cover strips may be abutted with one another along their longitudinal edges, and, in addition, the cover courses may abut with one another at each joint to form a continuous surface thereover, with the battens disposed relatively inside of the shell.

To stiffen the flanks, I also provide the roof with a cross member at an intermediate level between the flanks. The cross member may also be constructed from interconnected strips of sheathing material laid horizontally between the flanks and side by side with one another in a course running horizontally of and between the flanks. Preferably, the cross member is interposed between the battens, and the shear forces arising in the battens from any vertical load on the cross member, are relieved by providing the roof with a system of vertical members at supporting positions below the cross member. Under one mode of operation, the vertical members comprise a system of posts and beams under the cross member. In another mode, they comprise a pair of bearing walls under the battens. Each form is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate the first mentioned form, with FIGURE 1 being an end elevation of the roof construction, and FIGURE 2 a perspective of the same having a portion of one flank removed to expose the interior of the roof;

FIGURES 3 and 4 are similar views of the other form, but also incorporating the first mentioned form to enable a greater number of cover courses and cross members to be added;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of a molding strip which I have developed for use in assembling the roof structures; and

FIGURES 6-9 are elevational views of various schemes for using the molding strip of FIGURE 5.

Referring, firstly, to FIGURES 1 and 2, it will be seen that the roof structure 2 is generally triangulate, and that its flank members 4 and 6 are flat and elongated in the horizontal direction and interconnected at the apex 8 of the triangle to form a typical gable construction. Each flank member is comprised of ten-foot strips 10 of two-by-six tongue and groove sheathing abutted and interlocked in upright position in the slope of the flanks, and arranged in a plurality of courses 12 running one above another, horizontally of the flanks. The courses have an edge opposite relationship with one another in the vertical direction, and their edges 14 are abutted in such direction (indicated by the arrow 16) so as to form a continuous covering surface over the whole of each flank. Moreover, relatively inside of the roof, below each joint 14, is a batten 18 of reinforcing material running horizontally of the flanks in overlapping relationship with the adjacent edge portions 14' of the courses 12. Each batten is joined with the courses by nails so as to form a splice joint between them for purposes of integrating the strips 10 into rigid structure.

Like the cover courses 12, the battens are also comprised of interconnected strips 20 of the sheathing material laid upright abreast of the courses 12 and side by side with one another in horizontal courses indicted by the arrows 22. The batten strips 20 are, however, of considerably shorter length than the cover strips so as to conserve material.

The flank members 4 and 6 are interconnected by a cross member 24 comprised of interconnected strips 26 of the sheathing material laid horizontally between the battens 18 and abutted and interlocked side by side with one another in a horizontal course indicated by the arrow 28. As seen in FIGURE 1, the cross member is slightly bowed in the vertically upward direction to add to its strength under a vertical load. Such vertical load will generate shear forces across the nails in the battens and accordingly, the cross member is supported on a system of posts 34 and beams 36 which relieve most of the load and minimizes the strain on the battens. The posts, in turn, rest on a platform 31 comprised of floor joists spaced at intervals over the ground, and overlaid with more of the tongue and groove sheathing 32 interconnected in a deck.

Standard stock tongue and groove sheathing seldom runs more than twelve feet in length, and it is necessary, therefore, to add a third cover course to obtain a roof structure of twenty feet or more in height at the peak. In FIGURES 3 and 4 three such cover courses 12' are used together with a pair of battens 22' on each flank. A pair of cross members 38 and are also used to stiffen the flank members, but in this case the cross members are interposed between the flank members at levels corresponding with the upper edges of the battens so that any vertical load on the decks is transmitted in shear over the entire vertical dimension of each batten. To relieve most of the load, however, two systems of vertical support are used, one of which takes the form of a post and beam construction 34, 36' such as was used in the earlier embodiment, and the other of which takes the form of bearing walls 42 positioned upright between each of the lower decks 31 and 38 and the lower edges of the battens 22' immediately above them. Between them, the two systems relieve most of the strain across the vertical aspect of the battens and, in addition, it will be noted that the battens and the walls 42 provide a second wall behind the cover courses 12' so that spaces 44 and 46 between the decks 31, 38 and 40 are fully insulated and finished for occupancy.

In the illustration each of the walls is comprised of interconnected strips of the sheathing material laid upright in a vertical plane and side by side with one an other in courses indicated by the arrows 48 running horizontally of and between the flanks. However, they may be formed by any other means, as by the conventional means of spaced studs overlaid with dry wall material.

In assembling either of the illustrated roof structures, I prefer to preassemble the mutually vertically aligned strips 10 and 18 of each flank member so that the members can be raised in the manner of rafters in the assembly process. In some instances, however, as in those instances where the building site is of difficult access, it is often advantageous to assemble the strips only as the flank members are actually erected. The ultimate choice may depend on the contractors preference. In all events, however, the assembly operation can be expedited by using a molding strip 50 of the cross section seen in FIGURE 5. This molding strip is commonly fashioned from two-by-four stock having a sufficient length to satisfy the various situations encountered in assembling the roof structure. Certain of these situations are illustrated in FIGURES 69. FIGURE 6, for example, illustrates the situation encountered at the apex of the roof. FIG- URE 7 illustrates the situation encountered at the base of each flank. FIGURE 8 illustrates the situation encountered at the juncture of the upper edges of the battens with each of the cross decks. And, FIGURE 9 illustrates the situation encountered at the juncture of the lower edges of the battens with each of the bearing walls.

To satisfy each of these situations with a common form of molding, I have chosen to shape the two-by-four stock in the fashion seen in FIGURE 5. The stock has six flat, rectangular surfaces running lengthwise of it, one of which, 52, runs in a horizontal plane along the bottom of the strip. A second, 54, runs in a vertical plane along the right hand side of the strip, in substantially coterminal right angular relationship with the adjacent longitudinal edge of the bottom surface 52. A third surface 56 runs in an inclined plane along the left hand side of the strip in substantially coterminal angular relationship with the adjacent longitudinal edge of the bottom surface. The fourth surface 58 runs horizontally along the top of the strip, in substantially coterminal right angular relationship with the adjacent longitudinal edge of the right hand side surface 54. And, finally, the fifth, 60, and sixth, 62, surfaces run along the top of the strip, each in an inclined plane, in substantially coterminal right angular relationship with one another along their lower longitudinal edges and in substantially coterminal angular relationship with the adjacent longitudinal edges of the surfaces 56 and 58 along their upper edges. As seen from FIGURES 6-9, the angle between surfaces 52 and 56 is determined by the angle of slope of the flanks. On the other hand, the angle between surfaces 56 and 60 is normally a right angle and as seen in FIGURES 7 and 9, the width of the surface 60 is equivalent to the thickness of the sheathing strips 10 so that the outside surface 64 of the sheathing is flush with the surface 56 when the components are assembled.

The additional molding strip 66 used in the situation of FIGURE 9 is optional and may consist of unaltered two-by-four stock in lieu of stock that is dadoed, as seen, along one of its wider surfaces to provide a groove 68 in which to key the stud walls.

After the roof framework is erected, the roof is otherwise finished by applying roofing paper 70 and shingles 72 in conventional fashion.

Other materials such as plywood, hardboard, and plastic resin impregnated paper board, can also be used as the sheathing material. Moreover, other modifications and additions can be made in and to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the same as defined in the following claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A roof structure having three members arranged in an upright generally triangular frame, the upright flank members of said frame consisting essentially of interconnected strips of sheathing material laid upright in the slope of the flanks, side by side with one another in a plurality of cover courses running horizontally of the flanks, one above another and in edge opposite relationship with one another in the vertical direction of the flanks, and battens Of reinforcing material running horizontally of the flanks, in overlapping relationship with the adjacent edge portions of the cover courses, and directly joined to said edge portions 50 as to form rigid splice joints b tween the battens and the cover courses, in the areas of overlap, and the cover courses at the upper and lower ends of the flank members being rigidly interconnected to one another, and to the third member at the bottom of the frame, respectively, to integrate the three members into a rigid structure.

2. A roof structure according to claim 1 wherein the cover courses at the upper ends of the flank members are interconnected at the apex of a triangle to form the peak of the roof.

3. A roof structure according to claim 2 wherein the flank members are flat and elongated in the horizontal direction.

4. A roof structure according to claim 1 wherein the battens are disposed relatively inside of the roof and the edges of the cover courses are abutted with one another in the vertical direction of the flank members to form a continuous surface over each joint.

5. A roof structure according to claim 1 wherein the flank members are interconnected by a cross member at an intermediate level within the roof.

6. A roof structure according to claim 1 wherein the sheathing material consists of standard stock lengths of wood siding.

7. A roof structure having opposing flanks which slope downwardly away from the peak of the roof in a generally triangulate cross section, and which are comprised of interconnected strips of sheathing material laid upright in the slope of the flanks, side by side with one another in a plurality of cover courses running horizontally of the flanks, one above another and in edge opposite relationship with one another in the vertical direction of the flanks, and battens of reinforcing material running horizontally of the flanks, in overlapping relationship with the adjacent edge portions of the cover courses, and joined with the cover courses so as to form splice joints between their edge portions, for purposes of integrating the courses into a rigid structure, the battens being comprised of interconnected strips of the sheathing material laid upright abreast of the cover courses, and side 'by side with one another in opposing courses running horizontally of the flanks.

8. A roof structure according to claim 7 wherein the sheathing strips in the batten courses are of substantially no greater length than the sheathing strips in the cover courses.

9. A roof structure according to claim 8 wherein the sheathing strips in each of the batten and cover courses are interconnected with one another by a tongue and groove structure along their longitudinal edges.

10. A roof structure having opposing flanks which slope downwardly away from the peak of the roof in a generally triangulate cross section, and which are comprised of interconnected strips of sheathing material laid upright in the slope of the flanks, side by side with one another in a plurality of cover courses running horizontally of the flanks, one above another and in edge opposite relationship with one another in the vertical direction of the flanks, and battens of reinforcing material running horizontally of the flanks, in overlapping relationship with the adjacent edge portions of the cover courses, and joined with the cover courses so as to form splice joints between their edge portions, for purposes of integrating the courses into a rigid structure, the flanks being interconnected by a cross member at an intermediate level within the roof, and cross member being comprised of interconnected strips of the sheathing material laid horizontally between the flanks, and side by side with one another in a deck course running horizontally of and between the flanks.

11. A roof structure having opposing flanks which slope downwardly away from the peak of the roof in a generally triangulate cross section, and which are comprised of interconnected strips of sheathing material laid upright in the slope of the flanks, side by side with one another in a plurality of cover courses running horizontally of the flanks, one above another and in edge opposite relationship with one another in the vertical direction of the flanks, and battens of reinforcing material running horizontally of the flanks, in overlapping relationship with the adjacent edge portions of the cover courses, and joined with the cover courses so as to form splice joints between their edge portions, for purposes of integrating the courses into a rigid structure, the flanks being interconnected at the battens by a cross member within the roof.

12. A roof structure according to claim 11 wherein the cross member is supported on a system of vertical supports.

13. A cross member according to claim 12 wherein the vertical supports include a system of posts and beams under the cross member.

14. A roof structure according to claim 12 wherein the vertical supports include a system of bearing walls under the lower edges of the battens.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 391,442 10/1888 Welburn 52-90 1,673,788 6/1928 Hobson 5290 2,353,071 7/1944 Pitou 5286 3,137,253 6/1964 Clayton 52--82 X FOREIGN PATENTS 166,092 1950 Austria.

JOHN E. MURTAGH, Primary Examiner. FRANK L. ABBOTT, Examiner. 

1. A ROOF STRUCTURE HAVING THREE MEMBERS ARRANGED IN AN UPRIGHT GENERALLY TRIANGULAR FRAME, THE UPRIGHT FLANK MEMBERS OF SAID FRAME CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF INTERCONNECTED STRIPS OF SHEATHING MATERIAL LAID UPRIGHT IN THE SLOPE OF THE FLANKS, SIDE BY SIDE WITH ONE ANOTHER IN A PLURALITY OF COVER COURSES RUNNING HORIZONTALLY OF THE FLANKS, ONE ABOVE ANOTHER AND IN EDGE OPPOSITE RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER IN THE VERTICAL DIRECTION OF THE FLANKS, AND BATTENS OF REINFORCING MATERIAL RUNNING HORIZONTALLY OF THE FLANKS, IN OVERLAPPING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ADJACENT EDGE PORTIONS OF THE COVER COURSES, AND DIRECTLY JOINED TO SAID EDGE PORTIONS SO AS TO FORM RIGID SPLICE JOINTS BETWEEN THE BATTENS AND THE COVER COURSES, IN THE AREAS OF OVERLAP, AND THE COVER COURSES AT THE UPPER AND LOWER 